State representatives visit and tour Veterans Court in Dedham

Monday

Oct 15, 2012 at 12:01 AMOct 15, 2012 at 3:11 PM

A new to New England idea, Norfolk County’s veterans court looks to cut a break for United States veterans who may have found themselves on the wrong side of the law due to mental issues caused by combat.

Brad Cole

A new to New England idea, Norfolk County’s veterans court looks to cut a break for United States veterans who may have found themselves on the wrong side of the law due to mental issues caused by combat.

The Norfolk County Veterans Treatment Court, which began hearing cases this spring, aims to keep veterans out of jail by providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation.

“This program encourages rehabilitation over incarceration,” state Rep. John Rogers, D-Norwood said.

The veterans court, located within Dedham District Court, serves the county’s 28 cities and towns. It serves veteran criminal defendants whose crimes may have been caused by mental health or other issues brought about by their service to the country. It aims to rehabilitate the veteran, rather than place them in jail.

“Incarceration has to be the last sanction for veterans,” Rogers said, as it means the very liberties and freedoms the veteran was fighting to defend would be taken away from them.

Several state legislators visited the first of its kind in New England court on Tuesday, Oct. 9 for a tour and court session where cases were called. Cases were presided over by Justice Mary Hogan-Sullivan, who has overseen the court since it opened in the spring.

“We are looking at a model that is successful here in Dedham and Norfolk County,” state Sen. Mike Rush, D-West Roxbury said.

There are approximately 36 ongoing cases being heard at the veterans court currently, Rogers said. The court offers veterans a voluntary 12 to 24 month rehabilitation program overseen by ongoing judicial and probation supervision.

A veteran who’s accused of drug possession appeared in court on Oct. 9, but rather than incarceration, he faces an 18-month suspended sentence. Meaning that, during that 18-month time, the veteran will be subject to drug tests, be required to report to the Department of Veterans Affairs, remain gainfully employed and attend Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The idea is this will rehabilitate the veteran, keep him out of jail and prevent him from re-offending.

“This program is truly leading the way in veterans services,” state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, said, as it provides veterans with the support and the tools they need to help overcome the issues that might arise as a result of their service.

The court also keeps veterans out of the criminal justice system, which saves money.

“It is incredible the work they are doing right behind us in this courthouse,” state Rep. Harold Naughton Jr., D-Clinton said. “This court is leading the way. The work being done here not only is saving lives, it is putting lives back on track and saving dollars.”

Rehabilitation prevents jail time and repeat offenses, which will, theoretically, save the state money in the long run. But perhaps more importantly than save money, it can help veterans who are struggling in life post-war.

“If there is a way to get them back on their feet, short of incarceration, that is the goal of the Veterans Court,” Rogers said.

Staff writer Brad Cole can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bcole@wickedlocal.com. Like The Norwood Transcript and Bulletin on Facebook and follow @NorwoodTranscri on Twitter.